How to Protect Yourself From Phone Searches at the US Border

Travelling across international borders can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to the possibility of having your phone searched by border officials. Here are some tips to help protect your privacy:

1. Use a strong passcode on your phone. Avoid using easily guessable codes like 1234 or your birthdate.

2. Turn off your phone before reaching the border. This can prevent officials from easily accessing your data.

3. Back up your data before travelling. This way, if your phone is seized or damaged during a search, you won’t lose important information.

4. Consider using a burner phone or a secondary device with minimal personal information when crossing the border.

5. Store sensitive information in secure cloud storage or encrypted apps instead of on your device.

6. Be cautious about what you post on social media before and during your trip, as border officials may use this information during a search.

7. Know your rights. You are not required to provide passwords or unlock your device for border officials without a warrant.

8. If your phone is searched, document the details of the search, including the officers involved and the duration of the search.

9. Consider using a VPN to protect your internet browsing data while travelling.

10. Be prepared for the possibility of having your phone searched, but remember that you have rights and can take steps to protect your privacy.